Lopez calls shots in Asian body

Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) president Manuel Lopez was recently elected secretary-general of the Federation of Asian Amateur Boxing (FAAB).

His ascension into the powerful position, which gives him the sole authority to oversee the functions of the Asian boxing body, was ratified last week during the AIBA Congress in Egypt.

Lopez, who has been FAAB vice president before, was elected unopposed during the Busan Asian Games last month but his tour of duty of four years started only this month after the AIBA Congress. He replaced Singapore’s K. Thiruganasotih.

As secretary-general, Lopez is tasked to run the affairs of the FAAB as well as help promulgate new policies for amateur boxing in the region.

"This is a great honor for our country. Although reluctant, I accepted the position knowing that this will not only help our boxing programs in the Philippines but also the whole of Asia," said Lopez.

"And in accepting this position, I feel that I can help the FAAB gain improvements. This will also give our local association some gains in international tournaments, especially the Olympics, for a closer relationship with the Asian body," Lopez added.

The FAAB, under the aegis of AIBA, is the chief organizer of Asian international tournaments as well as the supervisory body for Asian affairs pertaining to the Olympics and World Championships.

Lopez in his first salvo as the new secretary-general has directed Asian associations to submit recommendations for the improvement of judging and scoring of matches and hold regular seminars on officiating.